Woman accused of faking cancer for money

HANOVER COUNTY, VA (WTVR) – A Mechanicsville woman is facing charges, accused of claiming she had cancer to scam people out of money, according to the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.

Officials said they received an anonymous tip in April that Martha A. Nicholas, of 9400 block Stone Spring Drive in Mechanicsville, was faking her battle with cancer to receive financial support.

Investigators, who tried to talk with Nicholas unsuccessfully, said they found no evidence she had received any cancer treatment. Officials also found evidence that people had given money to Nicholas because she claimed to have cancer.

As a result, Hanover Commonwealth’s Attorney Trip Chalkley charged Nicholas with two counts of misdemeanor obtain money by false pretenses.

Deputies arrested Nicholas Wednesday. She is scheduled to be arraigned on Dec. 16.

If you have information that could help investigators, call the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office at 804-365-6140.